What have I gone and done!!!

[Taz]

I've just had another email from them, apparently, she was born.... hahaha...she was born in 1955. Bill if Mrs Taz heard you say that she'd fill it with all sorts of tat :laugh:
Col, they said that because I'd striped it down, I'd invalidated any warranty they were about to offer me :cry:
🙁 just realised, now I gota learna to play witha de italiano accent :laugh: :laugh:

 

[Taz]

Well folks, the restoration is in full flourish. Tone holes flattened, solder tidied and lacquer striped.
Last time I posted about the work that was being done, I had just started striping the lacquer of the Dearman. As many of you have read these post you'll remember my shock when I uncovered the "Made in Italy" stamp. After a little investigation work I was able to confirm that it is a Rampone and Cazzani circa 1955.
Well the lacquer is now gone and the pads are being removed bit by bit. They are quite stubborn even with heat to melt the shellac. I have also given her the Brasso treatment, but I'm still in two minds as to whether to treat her to a good coat of Bees wax, or to leave her bare. Where the lacquer had already worn off, the brass underneath had aged beautifully, so, do I leave it or wax on... wax off! :laugh:
Any road (as Jools would probably say) I thought you'd like to see my little mess, so here's some more pictures for you all to laugh...tut....sharp intake of breath... that'll cost ya!! :laugh:


Till the next time
8)

 

[jools]

"any road" indeed! - and even "ee bah gum" !! - it's starting to look mighty fine (or even "champion" as me grandad would say)

The polished up pictures are starting to show that this old gal is going to look a real stunner. Some nice work. And I bet you have to admit (laquer or not arguments aside) that there is something deeply satisfying about getting in there and experiencing every inch of a horn and doing a 'deep clean' - it brings a great sense of well being - anticipating how it's going to sound. As a sideline, since I finished all mine I get a more intense sense of pride and excitement everytime I pick them up to play. And if it inspires me to play more then I call that a result.

However - I have to ask.... in the photos - it looks like the sax is in the back seat of your car!! - you didn't.. did you? surely not. That's taking it too far.

:laugh:

 

[Taz]

Hey pal...it's not my fault....I mean....well.....you started the sax-o-porn idea :laugh:
You know, something you failed to mention when you did your rebuild is the immense feeling of satisfaction that I'm getting, every time I take a step nearer to completion!8)
I know that playing the sax is a very emotional experience, I love to let my feelings manifest themselves in the sounds and tones that I create, but I cant wait to here this old girl sing, she's been silent for too long (Judging from the amount of dust in her) Like you say, going this far into a renovation, you feel very er :? intimate with the sax (couldn't get myself to say horn :laugh: )

 

[thomsax]

Pete,

Do you have a Dearman mpc to your tenor?

Thomas

 

[Taz]

No Thomas, the mpc was missing. I'll probably just get something fairly standard when its done.

 

[thomsax]

Pete,

You must have a Dearman! I have a Dearman laying in a drawer. Always fun to have a mouthpiece in the same brand. I never played on it, I doubt it's a moutpiece for a Rocker ..... . But it's a looker!?!?! Let me know when you are ready for test/play the horn.


Thomas

 

[Taz]

A "Looker" it certainly is Thomas. I'm hoping to drop the rock sax with the Dearman and try some smooth and mellow blues and a bit of jazz. Ben Webster springs to mind.
It won't be for a while though as the rebuild has slowed considerably. I'm only doing a bit every now and then. I can't wait to hear what she sounds like though, I'm really hoping for a warm vintage tone.

 

[Pjonah]

Made in England......Pah!

Seriously though, I looked at an old Brilhart the other day that was white, they do look a bit cool in a 1930's jass kinda way.

I'm sure I've got a picture of said Mr Webster playing an Ivory piece somewhere, if only it was a case of replicating what your hero plays!

Good luck with the Dearman Taz, fancy a beer sometime soon, I'll get in touch with Dooce if you're up for a get together.

Simon

 

[Taz]

Hmmmm.... beer....., sounds like an idea. I could even return your cd at the same time :laugh:

 

[jazzzzz8]

Just a warning when fitting pads. Please measure the inside of the cup to make sure that you have a snug fit, or the shellac will try to escape and the pads are harder to fit. Use a Vernum to get the measurement correct. You can buy half sizes i.e 26.5; that .5 can make all the difference between sucsessand failer. Trust me! Old saxes like mine 126 yrs old used imperial. The site I buy my stuff from is www.windcraft.co.uk based in Dawkes of Maidenhead. if you phone them in the morning you will get a next day delivery. Tel 01628778377. Get 2 sticks of shellac, a micro heating gas gun B&Q ?19.99. You may need to back the pads with card. Buisness cards off some random will suite. Good luck Ed.

 

[peedee]

Hey!
Does this mean you will be able to continue with and finish your project during your convalescence?
No excuse now 🙂

 

[Taz]

Dam I've been rumbled..... :laugh: Hopefully I will be able to really get cracking with this project. All I needed was a little time on my hands. Keep watching.

 

[peedee]

watching, watching, watching...............

 

[trevoruk]

Hello Taz
I am new to this forum and been reading your thread.
Unfortunately the pics dont come on the browser.
Is this a problem at my end or have you deleted them from your ftp.
Any chance of putting some more on?
I hope the testoration is going well, and I admire your courage in this project.
Regards

 

[Taz]

Hi Trevor, it looks as though the photo host has stopped hosting my pictures. I shall find an alternative and post them on here again. Unfortunately, I haven't got as far as I would have hoped, (read that as "haven't got any further at all!") but I hope to get the project up and running as soon as possible.
Well done on your website, nice pictures. I'm no art lover, but there is something about them that I like. A lot! You may not have been able to see him, but I'm sure I could hear a busker playing the sax near the pavement cafe in Venice! 8)

 

[peedee]

Still watching, and waiting 🙂